By TONY OKAFOR
Ekwulobia, a bustling commercial town in Anambra State, was thrown into panic on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as unknown gunmen launched a daylight attack that left at least two civilians dead and several others injured.
The attackers struck at the popular Ekwulobia flyover and parts of Oko in Aguata Local Government Area, shooting sporadically and causing residents to flee for safety.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media showed scenes of chaos: a tricycle driver slumped lifeless in his vehicle, another man lying in a pool of blood inside a roadside shop, and frightened residents scampering to safety as gunfire echoed in the background.
In one chilling clip, a gunman armed with an assault rifle was seen boldly pacing under the newly constructed flyover — a project previously hailed as a sign of progress, now marred by violence.
Viral voice notes from terrified residents warned people to avoid the area. “They are shooting everywhere in Ekwulobia, please stay safe,” one voice message said.
The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved security ahead of the November 8 governorship election in the state.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the attack was swiftly responded to by a joint security team.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police said one of the armed criminals was demobilized during a gun battle with security operatives, while two members of the public were fatally hit by stray bullets.
The police also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and four vehicles used by the assailants during the operation.
A brown Toyota Sienna vehicle, said to belong to the Anambra State Vigilante Group, was also set ablaze by the gunmen.
The recovered vehicles included a red Toyota Camry with registration number ENU 58 SC, a custom-colour Mercedes Benz GLK without a registration number, a golden Lexus 330 with registration number ENU 815 AP, and an ash-colour Toyota Highlander with registration number GDD 517 RW.
The statement added that the Oko Divisional Police Headquarters was also attacked by the gunmen but was successfully defended by officers on duty.
No casualties were recorded in that assault, and the security team is said to be pursuing the fleeing suspects.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, additional security measures have been put in place at the instance of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring that normalcy is being restored and that efforts to secure lives and property in the area are ongoing.
As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The town remains on edge, with many residents still traumatised by the incident.
